Energy based communication path selection

ABSTRACT

A system and method for determining an information communication path based on energy requirements. Various aspects of the present invention provide a method that comprises identifying a plurality of information communication paths that may be utilized to communicate information (e.g., one or more units of information). A communication path identification module may perform such identification. Respective amounts of energy to communicate the information may be estimated for at least a portion of the identified plurality of information communication paths. A communication energy estimation module may perform such estimation. An information communication path may be selected from the identified plurality of information communication paths based, at least in part, on the estimated respective amounts of energy. A communication path selection module may perform such selection.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This patent application is related to and claims priority fromprovisional patent application serial No. 60/601,455, filed Aug. 13,2004, and titled “ENERGY BASED COMMUNICATION PATH SELECTION,” thecontents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. This patent application is related to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. __/______, filed concurrently herewith, entitled “ENERGY BASEDINFORMATION TRANSFER METHODOLOGY” (Attorney Docket No. 16050US02).

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

(Not Applicable)

SEQUENCE LISTING

(Not applicable)

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

(Not applicable)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various communication systems provide for information communication overrespective communication paths. For example and without limitation,characteristics of various information communication paths may comprisevarious specific communication networks or combinations thereof (e.g.,company LAN, Internet, home PAN, etc.), various communication networktypes (e.g., telecommunication, computer, television, etc.), variouscommunication media (e.g., wired, wireless, tethered optical,non-tethered optical), various communication infrastructure, varioussignal propagation paths, etc.

Communicating information over various communication paths maycorrespond to utilizing varying respective amounts of energy. Suchenergy may, for example, be utilized directly for informationtransmission or in related signal processing activities. In an exemplaryscenario, two information communication paths may correspond totransmitting information at identical transmission power levels, but maycorrespond to utilizing substantially different amounts of energy forcommunicating information. Overall energy consumption corresponding to acommunication path may depend on any of a variety of factors, includingbut not limited to, transmission power, data rate, signal processingamount, signal processing speed, total amount of data, quality goals,communication environment characteristics, data retransmission activity,etc.

Various communication systems have relatively finite energy supplies.For example, various communication systems may receive operationalenergy from batteries. Such communication systems may also have staticor dynamic communication quality constraints. In various scenarios,energy utilization and communication quality may be adversely related.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth inthe remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention provide a system and method fordetermining a communication path based on energy requirements,substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at leastone of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims. Theseand other advantages, aspects and novel features of the presentinvention, as well as details of illustrative aspects thereof, will bemore fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method for determining aninformation communication path, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method for determining aninformation communication path, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a block diagram of an exemplarycommunication system for determining an information communication path,in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 100 for determiningan information communication path, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention. The exemplary method 100 may, for example, beimplemented in any of a variety of communication systems. For exampleand without limitation, such a communication system may comprisecharacteristics of a portable or stationary communication system. Such acommunication system may, for example, receive electrical energy from arelatively finite energy source (e.g., a battery) or a relativelyinfinite energy source (e.g., from a wall outlet). Such a communicationsystem may, for example, comprise characteristics of a cellular phone,personal digital assistant, pager, portable television, pocket computer,portable computer, etc. Such a communication system may communicate anyof a variety of information types (e.g., audio information, videoinformation, data information, general multi-media information, etc.).Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of any particular communicationsystem that may implement the exemplary method 100, or any method orfunctionality discussed herein.

The exemplary method 100 may begin at step 110. The exemplary method 100may begin for any of a large variety of reasons. For example and withoutlimitation, the method 100 may begin in response to a command to begin,for example originating at a user or other system. Also for example, themethod 100 may begin automatically upon system start-up, power-up orreset. Additionally, the method 100 may begin upon receipt of anindication that a communication is to occur (e.g., an outgoingcommunication or an incoming communication). Further for example, themethod 100 may begin in response to a detected operating condition(e.g., a power supply condition, communication link condition, etc.).Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of any particular initiatingcause or condition.

The exemplary method 100 may, at step 120, comprise identifying aplurality of information communication paths that may be utilized tocommunicate information with one or more other communication systems.

Such information may, for example, comprise one or more units ofinformation, where a “unit of information” is generally a quantifiableamount of information. For example and without limitation, a unit ofinformation may be a packet, data frame, message, song, program, musicvideo, movie, etc. Further for example, a unit of information may be aquantifiable portion (e.g., a timed segment, known or estimated amountof data, etc.) of a non-quantifiable amount of information (e.g., atelevision channel or telephone conversation). Such information maycomprise characteristics of any of a variety of types of information(e.g., textual, graphical, multi-media, video, audio, pictorial, generaldata, etc.). The scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of a particular type ofinformation or by any arbitrary notion of what a unit of suchinformation may comprise.

An information communication path may generally be defined as a routethat information (or data) travels from one communication system to oneor more other communication systems. An information communication pathmay comprise any of a variety of communication path characteristics. Forexample and without limitation, an information communication path maycomprise a direct link between communication systems or may comprise oneor more intervening communication networks between communicationsystems.

For example, a first communication path of the plurality of informationcommunication paths may comprise a first communication network, and asecond communication path of the plurality of information communicationpaths may comprise a second communication network in place of at least aportion of the first communication network. In a non-limiting exemplaryscenario, a first communication path of the plurality of informationcommunication paths may comprise a telecommunication network, and asecond communication path of the plurality of information communicationpaths may comprise a computer communication network in place of at leasta portion of the telecommunication network. In the non-limitingexemplary scenario, the first communication path may comprise utilizinga telecommunication network to provide the entire communication pathbetween first and second communication systems, and the secondcommunication path may utilize a computer network to communicate betweenthe first communication system and a central switch of thetelecommunication network and utilize the telecommunication network tocommunicate information between the central switch and the secondcommunication system.

Also for example, a first communication path of the plurality ofinformation communication paths may comprise a satellite communicationnetwork, and a second communication path of the plurality of informationcommunication paths may comprise a terrestrial communication network inplace of at least a portion of the satellite communication network. In anon-limiting exemplary scenario, the first communication path maycomprise a satellite communication network that communicates databetween North America and Europe, and the second communication path maycomprise a transatlantic telecommunication cable that communicates databetween North America and Europe instead of utilizing the satellitecommunication network. In a second non-limiting exemplary scenario, thefirst communication path may comprise a satellite communication networkthat communicates data between Chicago and Los Angeles, and the secondcommunication path may comprise an Internet link between Chicago and LosAngeles in place of the satellite communication network.

Further for example, a first communication path of the plurality ofinformation communication paths may comprise a relatively wide areanetwork, and a second communication path of the plurality of informationcommunication paths may comprise a relatively local area network inplace of at least a portion of the relatively wide area network. In anon-limiting exemplary scenario, the first communication path maycomprise a local area network (LAN), and the second communication pathmay comprise a personal area network (PAN) in place of at least aportion of the LAN. Additionally for example, a first communication pathof the plurality of information communication paths may comprise apersonal area network, while a second communication path of theplurality of information communication paths does not comprise thepersonal area network.

In another example, a first communication path of the plurality ofinformation communication paths may comprise a first communication paththrough a first communication network, and a second communication pathof the plurality of information communication paths may comprise asecond communication path through the first communication network inplace of at least a portion of the first communication path. In anon-limiting exemplary scenario, the first communication path maycomprise channeling data through a first set of intermediate Internetnodes, and the second communication path may comprise channeling datathrough a second set of intermediate Internet nodes in place of thefirst set of intermediate Internet nodes. In another non-limitingexemplary scenario, the first communication path may comprisecommunicatively coupling with a LAN through a first access point, andthe second communication path may comprise communicatively coupling withthe LAN through a second access point. In yet another non-limitingexemplary scenario, the first communication path may comprisecommunicatively coupling with a cellular telephone network through afirst cellular base station, and the second communication path maycomprise communicatively coupling with the cellular telephone networkthrough a second cellular base station in place of the first cellularbase station.

Still further for example, a first communication path of the pluralityof information communication paths may comprise a connectionlesscommunication path (e.g., a path or set of paths through which datapackets may flow) and a second communication path of the plurality ofinformation communication paths may comprise a connection-orientedcommunication path (e.g., a communication path having an dedicatedtimeslot, channel or code) in place of at least a portion of theconnectionless communication path. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario,the first communication path may comprise an array of paths betweencommunicating systems through which a message that is divided into aplurality of data packets may flow, and the second communication pathmay comprise a single dedicated path through which a message that isdivided into a plurality of data frames may consistently flow.

Also for example, a first communication path of the plurality ofinformation communication paths may comprise a first set ofcommunication multipaths, and a second communication path of theplurality of information communication paths may comprise a second setof communication multipaths in place of at least a portion of the firstset of communication multipaths. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario,the first communication path may comprise a first set of two of fourpossible multipaths (e.g., which may be associated with respective MIMOantennas in a communication system) for communicating information, andthe second communication path may comprise a different set of the fourmultipaths in place of the first set of multipaths. In anothernon-limiting exemplary scenario, the first communication path maycomprise one of four possible multipaths, and the second communicationpath may comprise all four multipaths in place of the one multipath. Inyet another non-limiting scenario, the first communication path maycomprise a wireless path corresponding to a plurality of antennasutilized in a beam-forming configuration, and the second communicationpath may comprise a plurality of wireless paths corresponding to theplurality of antennas utilized in a MIMO configuration.

Additionally for example, a first communication path of the plurality ofinformation communication paths may comprise a first communicationmedium, and a second communication path of the plurality of informationcommunication paths may comprise a second communication medium in placeof at least a portion of the first communication medium. In anon-limiting exemplary scenario, the first communication path maycomprise a wireless communication path, and the second communicationpath may comprise an optical communication path in place of at least aportion of the wireless communication path. In another non-limitingexemplary scenario, the first communication path may comprise a wirelesscommunication path between a first and second communication node, andthe second communication path may comprise a path between the first andsecond communication node that comprises a first portion that is wiredand a second portion that is wireless.

In general, the information communication paths may comprise any of alarge number of communication path characteristics. The previousexemplary illustrations represent a non-limiting example of variouscommunication path characteristics. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of particular information communication paths.

As mentioned previously, the exemplary method 100 may, at step 120,comprise identifying a plurality of information communication paths thatmay be utilized to communicate information between a system implementingthe method 100 and one or more other communication systems. Step 120 maycomprise identifying the plurality of information communication paths inany of a variety of manners.

Such communication path identification may, for example, comprisedetermining respective communication capabilities of communicatingsystems. Such communication capabilities may, for example, comprise anyof a large variety of communication capability characteristics. Forexample and without limitation, such communication capabilities maycomprise capabilities to communicate utilizing various communicationnetworks, media, protocols, modulation types, encoding types,compression schemes, etc.

Step 120 may, for example and without limitation, comprise identifyingcommunication capabilities by communicating with a database thatincludes information related to the communication capabilities ofvarious systems. Step 120 may also, for example, comprise identifyingcommunication capabilities by establishing a communication link with thevarious communication systems and communicating information of suchcapabilities with the various systems. Step 120 may then, for example,comprise identifying a plurality of potential information communicationpaths based, at least in part, on the determined communicationcapabilities of the communicating systems.

In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 120 may comprise determiningthat the various communication systems are capable of communicating byutilizing a cellular telephone network link with a single antenna orMIMO, an IEEE 802.11-based wireless link, a satellite link and theInternet.

Step 120 may also, for example, comprise determining informationcommunication paths by identifying communication networks that may beutilized to communicatively couple the communication system implementingthe method 100 to the other communication systems. Step 120 may then,for example, comprise identifying the plurality of informationcommunication paths based, at least in part, on the identified networks.

Continuing the non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 120 may comprisedetermining that the cellular telephone network (non-MIMO), an802.11-based connection and the Internet are available for communicatingbetween the various systems, but not the satellite link and the MIMOcellular telephone network. Also, step 120 may comprise, based on theinformation of communication capabilities and available networks,identifying the plurality of information communication paths by matchingcommunication system capabilities with available communication networkcharacteristics.

After identifying communication paths, step 120 may, for example andwithout limitation, comprise testing the identified communication pathsto determine which communication paths will work. Such testing may, forexample, comprise communicating polling or other test messages.

Further for example and without limitation, step 120 may compriseidentifying a plurality of information communication paths that may beutilized to communicate information by identifying communicationnetworks to which the various communication systems are already coupled.In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the various communication systemsmay be communicatively coupled (at least in a stand-by mode) to avariety of respective communication networks. In the exemplary scenario,step 120 may comprise determining that the various communication systemsare already coupled (at least in a stand-by mode) to respective cellulartelephone networks, cable television networks, personal area networksand the Internet.

In general, step 120 may comprise identifying a plurality of informationcommunication paths that may be utilized to communicate information withat least one other communication system. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular manner of identifying a plurality ofinformation communication paths.

The exemplary method 100 may, at step 130, comprise estimatingrespective amounts of energy to communicate the information (e.g., oneor more units of the information) for at least a portion of theidentified plurality of information communication paths. Step 130 maycomprise estimating respective amounts of energy in any of a variety ofmanners. Note that the following discussion may generally distinguishbetween electrical power and electrical energy, which may generally beviewed as power integrated over an amount of time, over an amount ofinformation, over an amount of signal processing activity, etc.

For example and without limitation, step 130 may comprise estimatingrespective amounts of energy for at least a portion of the identifiedplurality of information communication paths based, at least in part, ontransmission power. Step 130 may, for example, comprise integrating suchpower over a time period, unit of information, known or estimated amountof data, etc. For example, various information communication paths maycorrespond to utilizing a transmitter to transmit information, where thetransmitter utilizes a non-negligible amount of electrical power totransmit the information. Additionally, various informationcommunication paths may correspond to transmitting information atdifferent power levels and/or transmitting a particular amount ofinformation over different durations.

In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, a first information communicationpath may correspond to transmitting data at an output power of 2.5 Watts(e.g., utilizing a cellular telecommunication link), and a secondinformation communication path (e.g., utilizing an 802.11 link) maycorrespond to transmitting data at an output power of 1 Watt. In asecond exemplary scenario, a first information communication path maycorrespond to transmitting information at a variable output power ofapproximately 2 Watts (e.g., to a relatively distant station), and asecond information communication path may correspond to transmittinginformation at a relatively constant 0.2 Watts (e.g., to a relativelyclose communication network node).

Note that step 130 may, in various scenarios, also comprise estimatingrespective amounts of energy for at least a portion of the identifiedplurality of information communication paths based at least in part oncorresponding reception power. For example, in various scenarios,different communication paths may correspond to utilizing differentrespective amounts of electrical power in signal reception circuitry.For example, a first information communication path (e.g., a path inwhich the signal being received is relatively strong) may compriseutilizing a relatively low amount of electrical power in a receiver, anda second information communication path (e.g., a path in which thesignal being received is relatively weak and requires a large degree ofamplification) may comprise utilizing a relatively high amount ofelectrical power.

Also for example, step 130 may comprise estimating respective amounts ofenergy for at least a portion of the identified plurality of informationcommunication paths based at least in part on signal processing energy(or power). For example, different communication paths may correspond todifferent respective amounts of signal processing and/or differentrespective rates of signal processing, which may correspond to differentamounts of electrical energy. In an exemplary scenario, a firstinformation communication path (e.g., a video communication path thatutilizes no compression) may comprise utilizing a relatively low amountof electrical energy to perform signal processing, and a secondinformation communication path (e.g., a video communication path thatcommunicates compressed video information) may comprise utilizing arelatively high amount of electrical energy to perform signalprocessing. In another exemplary scenario, a first informationcommunication path (e.g., a path for non-real-time messaging requiringrelatively low-rate signal processing) may correspond to utilizing arelatively low amount of electrical power for signal processing, and asecond information communication path (e.g., a path for real-timecommunications requiring relatively high-rate signal processing) maycorrespond to utilizing a relatively high amount of electrical power forsignal processing.

Further for example, step 130 may comprise estimating respective amountsof energy for at least a portion of the identified plurality ofinformation communication paths based at least in part on energyrequired to retransmit information (e.g., information not successfullycommunicated during a previous transmission). For example, variousinformation communication paths may correspond to retransmittingdifferent respective amounts of information. Such retransmission mayconsume a non-negligible amount of energy. For example, a firstcommunication path may correspond to less reliable communication than asecond communication path. Also for example, a first communication pathmay correspond to a relatively high-noise environment, and a secondcommunication path may correspond to a relatively low-noise environment.Further for example, a first communication path may comprise differenterror detection/correction mechanisms than a second communication path.

Additionally for example, step 130 may comprise estimating respectiveamounts of energy for at least a portion of the identified plurality ofinformation communication paths based, at least in part, on energyrequired to re-process retransmitted information. For example, asmentioned previously, various information communication paths maycorrespond to retransmitting at least a portion of transmittedinformation. Such retransmitted information may correspond to additionalsignal processing (e.g., at a transmitting system and/or receivingsystem). Such signal processing may, for example and without limitation,comprise re-encoding/decoding, re-compressing/decompressing,re-encrypting/decrypting, etc.

In general, step 130 may comprise estimating respective amounts ofenergy to communicate information for one or more of the plurality ofinformation communication paths (e.g., as identified at step 120). Step130 may, for example and without limitation, comprise estimatingrespective amounts of energy utilizing any one or combination of theabove-mentioned energy considerations (e.g., transmission power,reception power, signal processing energy (or power), amount of data,data rate, encoding and decoding, encrypting and decrypting, compressingand decompressing, reprocessing and retransmitting, etc.). Further,since the above-mentioned energy considerations are merely exemplary,step 130 may comprise utilizing any other communication-related energyconsiderations that were not discussed previously. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of any particular manner of estimating energy thatmay be utilized to communicate information.

The exemplary method 100 may, at step 140, comprise selecting aninformation communication path (e.g., to utilize to communicate a unitof information) from the identified plurality of informationcommunication paths (e.g., as identified at step 120) based, at least inpart, on the estimated respective amounts of energy (e.g., as determinedat step 130). Step 140 may comprise performing such selection in any ofa variety of manners, non-limiting illustrative examples of which areprovided below.

Step 140 may, for example, comprise selecting an informationcommunication path by selecting an information communication path withthe lowest respective estimated amount of energy. Various informationcommunication paths may, for example, correspond to utilizing differentrespective amounts of energy to communicate information (e.g., one ormore units of information). In an exemplary scenario, a firstinformation communication path (e.g., a path corresponding to relativelyslow, low quality communication) may correspond to utilizing arelatively low amount of energy, and a second information communicationpath (e.g., a path corresponding to real-time high-qualitycommunication) may correspond to utilizing a relatively high amount ofenergy. In the exemplary scenario, if the first informationcommunication path corresponds to generally acceptablenon-energy-related characteristics (e.g., communication quality), step140 may comprise selecting the first information communication path,which utilizes less energy than the second information communicationpath.

Also for example, step 140 may comprise selecting an informationcommunication path by selecting an information communication path based,at least in part, on one or more communication quality goals. Forexample and without limitation, such communication quality goals maycomprise characteristics related to information transfer speed (e.g.,data rate), error rate, amount of noise, signal-to-noise ratio, generalreliability, data accuracy, data resolution, data security, etc. Variousquality goals may, for example, be static or may change depending onoperating scenario. For example, a real-time communication system maycomprise relatively stringent quality goals (e.g., data rate) duringnormal operation and comprise relatively loose quality goals (e.g., datarate) during power-save operation.

Step 140 may, for example, comprise determining such communicationquality goals in any of a variety of manners. For example and withoutlimitation, step 140 may comprise utilizing predetermined quality goals(e.g., stored in local memory or a system database). Also for example,step 140 may comprise communicating with other communication systems todetermine quality goals. Further for example, step 140 may comprisecommunicating with a user to determine quality goals.

In an exemplary scenario, step 140 may comprise selecting an informationcommunication path that corresponds to utilizing the least amount ofenergy while meeting minimum quality goals. In another exemplaryscenario, step 140 may comprise determining an information communicationpath that corresponds to a desired balance between energy consumptionand communication quality.

In general, step 140 may comprise selecting an information communicationpath based, at least in part, on one or more communication qualitygoals. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of a particularquality goal, manner of determining a quality goal, or manner ofutilizing a quality goal to select an information communication path.

Further for example, step 140 may comprise selecting an informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on one or more usercommands. Such a user command may, for example, be stored in memory oracquired from a user in real-time. In an exemplary scenario, step 140may comprise accessing stored information communication path preferenceinformation (e.g., a prioritized list) and selecting an informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on such preferenceinformation. In another exemplary scenario, step 140 may comprisepresenting a list of information communication path options or a list ofthe identified information communication paths to a user, solicitinginput from the user, and selecting an information communication pathbased, at least in part, on the user input.

In general, step 140 may comprise selecting an information communicationpath based, at least in part, on one or more user commands. Accordingly,the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited by characteristics of a particular user command, manner ofacquiring or determining a user command, or manner of utilizing a usercommand to select an information communication path.

Step 140 may also, for example, comprise selecting an informationcommunication path to utilize to communicate information based, at leastin part, on communication environment conditions. Such communicationenvironment conditions may, for example and without limitation, comprisepresent amount of network traffic, available communication bandwidth,noise, weather effects, network operational status, generallycommunication network constraints, etc.

For example and without limitation, step 120 may have identified aparticular information communication path as being available, but theparticular information communication path may correspond tocommunicating information through a communication environment that ispresently experiencing difficulties (e.g., failures or high noise). Step140 may comprise determining such communication environment conditions,for example, by communicating test information through the communicationenvironment, communicating information regarding the communicationenvironment with a database or central controller, or listening to otherentities communicating in the communication environment.

Also for example, step 140 may comprise selecting an informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on operating mode of variouscommunication systems. For example, various communication systems may beoperating in relatively high performance, low performance, power-saveand/or sleep modes. Step 140 may, for example, comprise determiningoperating mode information corresponding to various communicationsystems and utilizing such information to select an informationcommunication path. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 140 maycomprise determining that a communication system with whichcommunication is desired is presently operating in a low power, stand-byor sleep mode. In such an exemplary scenario, utilizing a real-timeconnection-oriented communication path may be unnecessarily wasteful ofenergy or other resources. Thus, in the exemplary scenario, step 140 maycomprise selecting a relatively low-data rate connectionlesscommunication path, which is relatively energy-efficient.

Further for example, step 140 may comprise selecting an informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on operating cost (e.g.,monetary cost). For example, various information communication paths maycorrespond to utilizing communication resources having respectivemonetary costs. In an exemplary scenario, a first informationcommunication path (e.g, corresponding to utilization of aconnectionless communication protocol and associated communicationresources) may correspond to a relatively low operating cost, and asecond information communication path (e.g., corresponding to utilizinga connection-oriented communication protocol with guaranteedcommunication bandwidth and associated communication resources) maycorrespond to a relatively high operating cost. In another exemplaryscenario, a first information communication path (e.g., corresponding tocommunication of non-compressed video information) may correspond to arelatively high operating cost (e.g., due to increased bandwidth needs),and a second information communication path (e.g., corresponding tocommunicating compressed video information) may correspond to arelatively low operating cost.

Still further for example, step 140 may comprise selecting aninformation communication path based, at least in part, on power supply(or energy supply) characteristics. Such power supply characteristicsmay comprise power supply characteristics associated with one or morecommunicating systems. For example and without limitation, power supplycharacteristics may comprise information regarding communication systempower (or energy) availability. In an exemplary scenario, a firstinformation communication path may correspond to utilizing a relativelylow amount of energy to provide relatively low quality communications,and a second information communication path may correspond to utilizinga relatively large amount of energy to provide relatively high qualitycommunications. In an exemplary scenario, where under normal powersupply conditions the second information communication path may beselected, step 140 may comprise selecting the first informationcommunication path due to a relatively low amount of energy available toone of the communicating systems. Note that step 140 may compriseselecting an information communication path based on power supplycharacteristics of a system implementing the exemplary method 100 oranother system.

Also for example, step 140 may comprise selecting an informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on the type of informationbeing communicated. For example and without limitation, various types ofinformation may comprise audio information, video information,multi-media information, textual information, graphical information,pictorial information, data information, etc. Various types ofinformation may correspond to different respective communication needs(e.g., quality goals).

In an exemplary scenario, a first information communication path may becapable of communicating any information, and a second informationcommunication path may comprise features particularly designed tocommunicate textual information. Step 140 may, in the exemplaryscenario, comprise selecting the second information communication pathto communicate a text message. In another exemplary scenario, a firstinformation communication path may be capable of communicating videoinformation at high resolution and relatively high energy usage, and asecond information communication path may be capable of communicatingvideo information only at low resolution and relatively low energyusage. Step 140 may, in the exemplary scenario, select the secondinformation communication path due to a relatively low priorityassociated with video information communication.

As mentioned previously, step 140 may, for example, comprise determiningvarious selection criteria by communicating with other systems. Step 140may also, for example, comprise selecting an information communicationpath based, at least in part, on negotiations between variouscommunicating systems. Various communicating systems may have respectiveoperating requirements and conditions.

In an exemplary scenario, a first information communication path maynormally be the path of choice, but a second communicating system mayhave severely limited energy resources. In the exemplary scenario, step140 may comprise selecting a second information communication path dueto the needs of the second communication system. In another exemplaryscenario, a first information communication path may be preferable for ahigher priority communication system, and a second informationcommunication path may be preferable for a lower priority communicationsystem. Step 140 may, in the exemplary scenario, comprise selecting thefirst information communication path because of the preference of thehigher priority system. In yet another exemplary scenario, a firstinformation communication path may be preferable for a communicationsystem implementing the method 100, and a second informationcommunication path may be preferable for another system. Step 140 may,in the exemplary scenario, comprise selecting a third communication pathas a compromise between preferences of the communication systems.

In general, step 140 may comprise selecting an information communicationpath (e.g., of those determined at step 120) to utilize to communicateinformation (e.g., one or more units of information) based, at least inpart, on estimated respective amounts of energy (e.g., as determined atstep 130) associated with one or more of the information communicationpaths. The previous examples are merely illustrative and, by no means,represent an exclusive set of examples. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of particular energy-based communication path selectiontechniques.

The exemplary method 100 may, at step 150, comprise performing continuedprocessing. Step 150 may comprise performing any of a large variety ofcontinued processing. For example and without limitation, step 150 maycomprise directing execution flow of the method 100 back to previoussteps (e.g., step 120). Also for example, step 150 may comprisecommunicating information utilizing the information communication pathselected at step 140. Further for example, step 150 may compriseinterfacing with various communication systems (e.g., duringcommunications) to determine whether a different communication pathshould be selected. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of particularcontinued processing.

The exemplary method 100 was illustrated and discussed to provideillustrative examples of generally broader aspects of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should, by no means, be limited to characteristics of theexemplary method 100.

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 200 for determiningan information communication path, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention. The exemplary method 200 may, for example andwithout limitation, share various characteristics with the exemplarymethod 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously. As with theexemplary method 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the exemplary method 200may, for example and without limitation, be implemented in acommunication system (e.g., a portable communication system).

The exemplary method 200 may, at step 220, comprise establishing one ormore communication links with one or more other systems. Such acommunication link may comprise characteristics of any of a variety ofcommunication links. For example, step 220 may comprise establishing thecommunication link utilizing any of a variety of communication media,protocols or networks. The scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of any particularcommunication link or manner of establishing a communication link.

The exemplary method 200 may, at step 222, comprise identifyinginformation communication paths over which one or more other systems maycommunicate and/or identifying communication capabilities of the one ormore other communication systems. Exemplary step 222 may, for exampleand without limitation, share various characteristics with step 120 ofthe exemplary method 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.

For example, step 222 may comprise communicating with one or morecommunication systems to determine which information communication pathsmay be utilized for communication with such systems. Also for example,step 222 may comprise communicating with an information database todetermine which information communication paths may be utilized forcommunication with various systems.

Step 222 may, for example, comprise communicating any of a variety ofcommunication capability information. For example, such information maycomprise information regarding communication networks, communicationmedia, protocols, encoding/decoding capabilities, secure accesscapabilities, encryption/decryption capabilities,compression/decompression capabilities, data rate capabilities, varioussignal processing capabilities, etc.

Step 222 may, for example, comprise processing such information todetermine a plurality of information communication paths that may beutilized to communicate information between various communicationsystems. Also for example, step 222 may comprise processing informationrelated to the capabilities of the communication system(s) implementingthe method 200. Characteristics of various information communicationpaths were generally discussed previously.

The exemplary method 200 may, at step 224, comprise determiningcommunication quality constraints (e.g., quality goals and/orrequirements). Such communication quality constraints were generallydiscussed previously. For example and without limitation, suchcommunication quality constraints may comprise characteristics relatedto information transfer speed, error rate, amount of noise, generalreliability, data accuracy, data resolution, data security, etc. Step224 may, for example, comprise communicating information regardingquality constraints with other communication systems. Step 224 may also,for example, comprise communicating information regarding qualityconstraints with a database comprising such information.

The exemplary method 200 may, at step 230, comprise estimatingrespective amounts of energy for information communication paths (e.g.,the information communication paths identified at step 222). Step 230may, for example and without limitation, share various characteristicswith step 130 of the exemplary method 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously.

The exemplary method 200 may, at step 240, comprise selecting aninformation communication path based, at least in part, on the energyestimations determined at step 230. Step 240 may also, for example,comprise selecting an information communication path based, at least inpart, on the energy estimations determined at step 230 and thecommunication quality constraints determined at step 224. Step 240 may,for example and without limitation, share various characteristics withstep 140 of the exemplary method 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussedpreviously.

The exemplary method 200 was illustrated and discussed to providenon-limiting illustrative examples of generally broader aspects of thepresent invention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should, by no means, be limited by characteristics ofthe exemplary method 200.

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a block diagram of an exemplarycommunication system 300 for determining an information communicationpath, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Forexample and without limitation, the functionality performed bycomponents of the exemplary communication system 300 may share variouscharacteristics with the exemplary methods 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS.1-2 and discussed previously.

The exemplary communication system 300 may comprise a communicationinterface module 310. The communication interface module 310 maycomprise characteristics of any of a variety of communicationinterfaces. For example, the communication interface module 310 may beadapted (i.e., comprise hardware and/or software) to communicate overany of a variety of communication networks (e.g., telecommunication,computer, television, satellite, terrestrial, etc.). Also for example,the communication interface module 310 may be adapted to communicateover any of a variety of communication media (e.g., wired, wireless RF,tethered optical, non-tethered optical, etc.). Also, the communicationinterface module 310 may be adapted to communicate utilizing any of avariety of communication standards and/or protocols. In addition, thecommunication interface module 310 may be adapted to communicateutilizing any of a variety of modulation types, encoding schemes,compression schemes, encryption schemes, secure access protocols, etc.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of any particular communicationinterface.

The exemplary communication system 300 may comprise a generalcommunication module 320. The general communication module 320 may, forexample, manage or support general communication activities performed bythe communication system 300. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario wherethe communication system 300 comprises characteristics of a cellularphone, the general communication module 320 may perform variouscommunication management or processing tasks associated with cellulartelephony. In another non-limiting exemplary scenario where thecommunication system 300 comprises characteristics of an Internetcommunication system, the general communication module 320 may performvarious communication management or processing tasks associated withInternet communications. In yet another non-limiting exemplary scenariowhere the communication system 300 comprises characteristics of awireless PAN communication system, the general communication module 320may perform various communication management or processing tasksassociated with wireless PAN communications.

In general, the general communication module 320 may manage or supportvarious aspects of communications, which may depend on the nature of thecommunication system 300. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics of anyparticular general communications management or support hardware and/orsoftware.

The exemplary communication system 300 may comprise a user interfacemodule 330. The user interface module 330 may generally comprisehardware and/or software that provide an interface between a user andthe communication system 300. The user interface module 330 may beadapted to provide any of large variety of user interface types (e.g.,text-based, video-based, audio-based, touch-based, etc.). Accordingly,the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited by characteristics of any particular user interface hardwareand/or software.

The exemplary communication system 300 may comprise a system 340 thatdetermines an information communication path. The exemplary system 340may comprise a communication path identification module 342, acommunication energy estimation module 344 and a communication pathselection module 346.

The following discussion may generally refer to various modules. It mustbe recognized that the various modules may be implemented utilizinghardware, software or combinations thereof. Also, various modules mayshare components with various other modules. For example, a first modulemay share one or more hardware components (e.g., a processor, memory,etc.) with a second module. Also for example, a first module may sharevarious software routines with a second module. Various modules may, forexample, be integrated to any of a variety of degrees of integration.For example, various modules may be integrated into a single integratedcircuit, separate integrated circuits on a board, or may begeographically collocated or geographically distributed. Accordingly,the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited by characteristics of any particular hardware and/or softwareimplementation of a module or any arbitrary boundary between modules.

The communication path identification module 342 (“CPI module 342”) mayidentify a plurality of information communication paths that may beutilized to communicate information (e.g., one or more units ofinformation) with one or more other communication systems. The CPImodule 342 may, for example and without limitation, share variousfunctional characteristics with step 120 of the exemplary method 100illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.

As discussed previously with regard to FIG. 1, an informationcommunication path may generally be defined as a route that information(or data) travels between one communication system and one or more othercommunication systems. An information communication path may compriseany of a large variety of information communication pathcharacteristics. For example and without limitation, a communicationpath may comprise a direct link between communication systems or maycomprise one or more intervening communication networks betweencommunication systems.

For example, a first communication path of the plurality of informationcommunication paths may comprise a first communication network, and asecond communication path of the plurality of information communicationpaths may comprise a second communication network in place of at least aportion of the first communication network. Also for example, a firstcommunication path of the plurality of information communication pathsmay comprise a satellite communication network, and a secondcommunication path of the plurality of information communication pathsmay comprise a terrestrial communication network in place of at least aportion of the satellite communication network.

Further for example, a first communication path of the plurality ofinformation communication paths may comprise a relatively wide areanetwork, and a second communication path of the plurality of informationcommunication paths may comprise a relatively local area network inplace of at least a portion of the relatively wide area network.Additionally for example, a first communication path of the plurality ofinformation communication paths may comprise a personal area network,while a second communication path of the plurality of informationcommunication paths does not comprise the personal area network.

In another example, a first communication path of the plurality ofinformation communication paths may comprise a first communication paththrough a first communication network, and a second communication pathof the plurality of information communication paths may comprise asecond communication path through the first communication network inplace of at least a portion of the first communication path. Stillfurther for example, a first communication path of the plurality ofinformation communication paths may comprise a connectionlesscommunication path (e.g., a path or set of paths through which datapackets may flow) and a second communication path of the plurality ofinformation communication paths may comprise a connection-orientedcommunication path (e.g., a communication path having an dedicatedtimeslot, channel or code) in place of at least a portion of theconnectionless communication path.

Also for example, a first communication path of the plurality ofinformation communication paths may comprise a first set ofcommunication multipaths, and a second communication path of theplurality of information communication paths may comprise a second setof communication multipaths in place of at least a portion of the firstset of communication multipaths. Additionally for example, a firstcommunication path of the plurality of information communication pathsmay comprise a first communication medium, and a second communicationpath of the plurality of information communication paths may comprise asecond communication medium in place of at least a portion of the firstcommunication medium.

In general, the information communication paths may comprise any of alarge number of communication path characteristics. The previousexemplary illustrations represent a non-limiting example of variouscommunication path characteristics. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of particular information communication paths.

As mentioned previously, the communication path identification module342 (“CPI module 342”) may identify a plurality of informationcommunication paths that may be utilized to communicate information(e.g., one or more units of information) with one or more othercommunication systems. The CPI module 342 may identify a plurality ofinformation communication paths in any of a variety of manners.

In identifying various communication paths, the CPI module 342 may, forexample and without limitation, determine respective communicationcapabilities of communicating systems. Such communication capabilitiesmay, for example, comprise any of a large variety of communicationcapability characteristics. For example and without limitation, suchcommunication capabilities may comprise capabilities to communicateutilizing various communication networks, media, protocols, modulationtypes, encoding types, compression schemes, etc.

The CPI module 342 may, for example, identify communication capabilitiesby communicating (e.g., utilizing the communication interface module310) with a database that includes information related to thecommunication capabilities of various systems. The CPI module 342 may,for example, identify communication capabilities by establishing acommunication link with the various communication systems andcommunicating information of such capabilities with the various systems.The CPI module 342 may then, for example, identify a plurality ofinformation communication paths based, at least in part, on thedetermined communication capabilities of the communicating systems.

In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the CPI module 342 may determinethat the various communication systems are capable of communicating byutilizing a cellular telephone network link with a single antenna orMIMO, an IEEE 802.11-based wireless link, a satellite link and theInternet.

The CPI module 342 may also, for example, determine informationcommunication paths by identifying communication networks that may beutilized to communicatively couple the communication system 300 to theother communication system(s). The CPI module 342 may then, for example,identify the plurality of information communication paths based, atleast in part, on the identified networks.

Continuing the non-limiting exemplary scenario, the CPI module 342 maydetermine that the cellular telephone network (non-MIMO), 802.11-basedconnection and the Internet are available for communicating between thevarious systems, but not the satellite link and the MIMO cellulartelephone network. Also, the CPI module 342 may, based on theinformation of communication capabilities and available networks,identify the plurality of information communication paths by matchingcommunication system capabilities with available communication networkcharacteristics.

After identifying communication paths, the CPI module 342 may, forexample and without limitation, test the identified communication pathsto determine which communication paths will work. Such testing may, forexample, comprise communicating polling or other test messages betweenthe communication system 300 and other communication systems.

Further for example and without limitation, the CPI module 342 mayidentify a plurality of information communication paths that may beutilized to communicate information by identifying communicationnetworks to which the communication system 300 and one or more othercommunication systems are already communicatively coupled. In anon-limiting exemplary scenario, the various communication systems maybe communicatively coupled (at least in a stand-by mode) to a variety ofrespective communication networks. In the exemplary scenario, the CPImodule 342 may determine that the various communication systems arealready communicatively coupled (at least in a stand-by mode) torespective cellular telephone networks, cable television networks,personal area networks and the Internet.

In general, the CPI module 342 may identify the plurality of informationcommunication paths in any of a variety of manners. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of any particular manner of identifying a pluralityof information communication paths or any particular hardware orsoftware that may perform such identification.

The communication energy estimation module 344 (“CEE module 344”) mayestimate respective amounts of energy for a least a portion of aplurality of information communication paths (e.g., as identified by theCPI module 342). The CEE module 344 may, for example and withoutlimitation, share various functional characteristics with step 130 ofthe exemplary method 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.The CEE module 344 may estimate respective amounts of energy for variousinformation communication paths in any of a variety of manners.

For example and without limitation, the CEE module 344 may estimaterespective amounts of energy for at least a portion of the identifiedplurality of information communication paths based, at least in part, ontransmission power. The CEE module 344 may, for example, integrate suchpower over a time period, unit of information, known or estimated amountof data, etc. For example, various information communication paths maycorrespond to utilizing a transmitter to transmit information, where thetransmitter utilizes a non-negligible amount of electrical power totransmit the information. Additionally, various informationcommunication paths may correspond to transmitting information atdifferent power levels and/or transmitting a particular amount ofinformation over different durations. The CEE module 344 may, in variousscenarios, also estimate respective amounts of energy for at least aportion of the identified plurality of information communication pathsbased at least in part on reception power. For example, in variousscenarios, different information communication paths may correspond toutilizing different respective amounts of electrical power in signalreception circuitry.

Also for example, the CEE module 344 may estimate respective amounts ofenergy for at least a portion of the identified plurality of informationcommunication paths based, at least in part, on signal processing energy(or power). For example, different communication paths may correspond todifferent respective amounts of signal processing, which may correspondto different amounts of electrical energy. Further for example, the CEEmodule 344 may estimate respective amounts of energy for at least aportion of the identified plurality of information communication pathsbased, at least in part, on energy required to retransmit information.For example, various information communication paths may correspond toretransmitting different respective amounts of information.

Additionally for example, the CEE module 344 may estimate respectiveamounts of energy for at least a portion of the identified plurality ofinformation communication paths based, at least in part, on energyrequired to re-process retransmitted information. For example, asmentioned previously, various information communication paths maycorrespond to retransmitting at least a portion of transmittedinformation. Such retransmitted information may correspond to additionalsignal processing (e.g., at the transmitting system and/or receivingsystem). Such signal processing may, for example and without limitation,comprise re-encoding/decoding, re-compressing/decompressing,re-encrypting/decrypting, etc.

The CEE module 344 may, for example and without limitation, estimaterespective amounts of energy utilizing any one or combination of theabove-mentioned energy considerations. Further, since theabove-mentioned energy considerations are merely exemplary, the CEEmodule 344 may utilize any other communication-related energyconsiderations that were not discussed previously.

In general, the CEE module 344 may estimate respective amounts of energyto communicate information (e.g., one or more units of information) forat least a portion of the identified plurality of informationcommunication paths (e.g., as identified by the CPI module 342).Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of any particular manner ofestimating energy that may be utilized to communicate information or bycharacteristics of any particular hardware and/or software forperforming such energy estimation.

The communication path selection module 346 (“CPS module 346”) mayselect an information communication path from a plurality of informationcommunication paths (e.g., the communication paths identified by the CPImodule 342) based, at least in part, on estimated respective amount ofenergy (e.g., as estimated by the CEE module 344). The CPS module 346may, for example and without limitation, share various functionalcharacteristics with step 140 of the exemplary method 100 illustrated inFIG. 1 and discussed previously. The CPS module 346 may select aninformation communication path in any of a variety of manners,non-limiting illustrative examples of which are provided below.

The CPS module 346 may, for example, select an information communicationpath by selecting an information communication path that corresponds toutilizing the lowest respective estimated amount of energy. Variousinformation communication paths may, for example, correspond toutilizing different respective amounts of energy to communicateinformation (e.g., one or more units of information). In an exemplaryscenario, a first information communication path (e.g., a pathcorresponding to relatively slow, low quality communication) maycorrespond to utilizing a relatively low amount of energy, and a secondinformation communication path (e.g., a path corresponding to real-timehigh-quality communication) may correspond to utilizing a relativelyhigh amount of energy. In the exemplary scenario, if the firstinformation communication path corresponds to generally acceptablenon-energy-related characteristics (e.g., communication quality), TheCPS module 346 may select the first information communication path,which corresponds to utilizing less energy than the second informationcommunication path.

Also for example, the CPS module 346 may select an informationcommunication path by selecting an information communication path based,at least in part, on one or more communication quality goals. Forexample and without limitation, such communication quality goals maycomprise characteristics related to information transfer speed (e.g.,data rate), error rate, amount of noise, general reliability, dataaccuracy, data resolution, data security, etc. Various quality goalsmay, for example, be static or may change depending on operatingscenario. For example, a real-time communication system may compriserelatively stringent quality goals (e.g., data rate) during normaloperation and comprise relatively loose quality goals (e.g., data rate)during power-save operation.

The CPS module 346 may, for example, determine such communicationquality goals in any of a variety of manners. For example and withoutlimitation, the CPS module 346 may utilize predetermined quality goals(e.g., stored in local memory or a system database). Also for example,the CPS module 346 may communicate with other communication systems todetermine quality goals. Further for example, the CPS module 346 maycommunicate with a user to determine quality goals.

In an exemplary scenario, the CPS module 346 may select an informationcommunication path that corresponds to utilizing the least amount ofenergy while meeting minimum quality goals. In another exemplaryscenario, the CPS module 346 may determine an information communicationpath that corresponds to a desired balance between energy consumptionand communication quality.

In general, the CPS module 346 may select an information communicationpath based, at least in part, on one or more communication qualitygoals. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of a particularquality goal, manner of determining a quality goal, manner of utilizinga quality goal to select an information communication path, or relatedhardware and/or software.

Further for example, the CPS module 346 may select an informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on one or more usercommands. Such a user command may, for example, be stored in memory oracquired from a user in real-time. In an exemplary scenario, the CPSmodule 346 may access stored information communication path preferenceinformation (e.g., a prioritized list) and select an informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on such preferenceinformation. In another exemplary scenario, the CPS module 346 maypresent a list of information communication path options or a list ofthe identified information communication paths to a user (e.g.,utilizing the user interface module 330), solicit input from the user,and select an information communication path based, at least in part, onthe user input.

In general, the CPS module 346 may select an information communicationpath based, at least in part, on one or more user commands. Accordingly,the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited by characteristics of a particular user command, manner ofacquiring or determining a user command, manner of utilizing a usercommand to select an information communication path, or related hardwareand/or software.

The CPS module 346 may also, for example, select an informationcommunication path to utilize to communicate information based, at leastin part, on communication environment conditions. Such communicationenvironment conditions may, for example and without limitation, comprisepresent amount of network traffic, available communication bandwidth,noise, weather effects, network operational status, generallycommunication network constraints, etc.

For example and without limitation, the CPI module 342 may haveidentified a particular information communication path as beingavailable, but the particular information communication path maycorrespond to communicating information through a communicationenvironment that is presently experiencing difficulties (e.g., failuresor high noise). The CPS module 346 may determine such communicationenvironment conditions, for example, by communicating test informationthrough the communication environment, communicating informationregarding the communication environment with a database or centralcontroller, or listening to other entities communicating in thecommunication environment.

Also for example, the CPI module 342 may select an informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on operating mode of variouscommunication systems. For example, various communication systems may beoperating in relatively high performance, low performance, power-saveand/or sleep modes. The CPS module 346 may, for example, determineoperating mode information corresponding to various communicationsystems and utilize such information to select an informationcommunication path. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the CPS module346 may determine that a communication system with which communicationis desired is presently operating in a low power, stand-by or sleepmode. In such an exemplary scenario, utilizing a real-timeconnection-oriented communication path may be unnecessarily wasteful ofenergy or other resources. Thus, in the exemplary scenario, the CPSmodule 346 may select a relatively low-data rate connectionlesscommunication path, which is relatively energy-efficient.

Further for example, the CPS module 346 may select an informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on operating cost (e.g.,monetary cost). For example, various information communication paths maycorrespond to utilizing communication resources having respectivemonetary costs. In an exemplary scenario, a first informationcommunication path (e.g., corresponding to utilization of aconnectionless communication protocol and associated communicationresources) may correspond to a relatively low operating cost, and asecond information communication path (e.g., corresponding to utilizinga connection-oriented communication protocol with guaranteedcommunication bandwidth and associated communication resources) maycorrespond to a relatively high operating cost. In another exemplaryscenario, a first information communication path (e.g., corresponding tocommunication of non-compressed video information) may correspond to arelatively high operating cost (e.g., due to increased bandwidth needs),and a second information communication path (e.g., corresponding tocommunicating compressed video information) may correspond to arelatively low operating cost.

Still further for example, the CPS module 346 may select an informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on power supply (or energysupply) characteristics. Such power supply characteristics may comprisepower supply characteristics associated with one or more communicatingsystems. For example and without limitation, power supplycharacteristics may comprise information regarding communication systempower (or energy) availability. In an exemplary scenario, a firstinformation communication path may correspond to utilizing a relativelylow amount of energy to provide relatively low quality communications,and a second information communication path may correspond to utilizinga relatively large amount of energy to provide relatively high qualitycommunications. In an exemplary scenario, where under normal powersupply conditions the second information communication path may beselected, the CPS module 346 may select the first informationcommunication path due to a relatively low amount of energy available toone of the communicating systems. Note that the CPS module 346 mayselect an information communication path based on power supplycharacteristics of the communication system 300 or one or more othercommunication systems.

Also for example, the CPS module 346 may select an informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on the type of informationbeing communicated. For example and without limitation, various types ofinformation may comprise audio information, video information,multi-media information, textual information, graphical information,pictorial information, data information, etc. Various types ofinformation may correspond to different respective communication needs(e.g., quality goals).

In an exemplary scenario, a first information communication path may becapable of communicating any information, and a second informationcommunication path may comprise features particularly designed tocommunicate textual information. The CPS module 346 may, in theexemplary scenario, select the second information communication path tocommunicate a text message. In another exemplary scenario, a firstinformation communication path may be capable of communicating videoinformation at high resolution and relatively high energy usage, and asecond information communication path may be capable of communicatingvideo information at only low resolution and relatively low energyusage. The CPS module 346 may, in the exemplary scenario, select thesecond information communication path due to a relatively low priorityassociated with video information communication.

As mentioned previously, the CPS module 346 may, for example, determinevarious selection criteria by communicating with other systems (e.g.,utilizing the communication interface module 310). The CPS module 346may also, for example, select an information communication path based,at least in part, on negotiations between various communication systems.Various communicating systems may have respective operating requirementsand conditions.

In an exemplary scenario, a first information communication path maynormally be the path of choice, but a second communicating system mayhave severely limited energy resources. In the exemplary scenario, theCPS module 346 may select a second information communication path due tothe needs of the second communication system. In another exemplaryscenario, a first information communication path may be preferable for ahigher priority communication system, and a second informationcommunication path may be preferable for a lower priority communicationsystem. The CPS module 346 may, in the exemplary scenario, select thefirst information communication path because of the preference of thehigher priority system. In yet another exemplary scenario, a firstinformation communication path may be preferable for the communicationsystem 300, and a second information communication path may bepreferable for another system. The CPS module 346 may, in the exemplaryscenario, select a third communication path as a compromise betweenpreferences of the communication systems.

In general, The CPS module 346 may select an information communicationpath (e.g., of a plurality of communication paths identified by the CPImodule 342) to utilize to communicate information (e.g., one or moreunits of information) based, at least in part, on estimated respectiveamounts of energy (e.g., as determined by the CEE module 344) associatedwith one or more of the information communication paths. The previousexamples are merely illustrative and, by no means, represent anexclusive set of examples. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics ofparticular energy-based communication path selection techniques or byparticular hardware and/or software for making such selection.

The exemplary system 300 was illustrated and discussed to provideillustrative examples of generally broader aspects of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should, by no means, be limited to characteristics of theexemplary system 300.

As mentioned previously, and as stressed here again, in the exemplarysystem 300, the various modules may, for example, be implemented inhardware, software or a combination thereof. Further, the variousmodules may each comprise a set of discrete components, may each beindependent integrated circuits, or may each be a portion of anintegrated circuit. Still further, the various modules may be located atone geographical location or distributed between multiple geographicallocations. By no means should the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention be limited by characteristics of particularimplementations or locations of various modules.

It should be noted that the previously presented exemplary system 300and methods 100, 200 were provided to show specific examples ofgenerally broader aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of particular examples presented herein.

In summary, various aspects of the present invention provide a systemand method for determining a communication path based on energyrequirements. While the invention has been described with reference tocertain aspects and embodiments, it will be understood by those skilledin the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may besubstituted without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from itsscope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited tothe particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will includeall embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. In a communication system, a method for determining an informationcommunication path, the method comprising: identifying a plurality ofinformation communication paths that may be utilized to communicateinformation with at least a second communication system; estimatingrespective amounts of energy to communicate at least a portion of theinformation for at least a portion of the identified plurality ofcommunication paths; and selecting an information communication pathfrom the identified plurality of information communication paths based,at least in part, on the estimated respective amounts of energy.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein a first information communication path of theplurality of information communication paths comprises a firstcommunication network, and a second information communication path ofthe plurality of information communication paths comprises a secondcommunication network in place of at least a portion of the firstcommunication network.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a firstinformation communication path of the plurality of informationcommunication paths comprises a connectionless communication path, and asecond information communication path of the plurality of informationcommunication paths comprises a connection-oriented communication pathin place of at least a portion of the connectionless communication path.4. The method of claim 1, wherein a first information communication pathof the plurality of information communication paths comprises a firstset of communication multipaths, and a second information communicationpath of the plurality of information communication paths comprises asecond set of communication multipaths in place of at least a portion ofthe first set of communication multipaths.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein identifying a plurality of information communication paths thatmay be utilized to communicate information comprises identifyinginformation communication paths that communicatively couple thecommunication system and the second communication system.
 6. The methodof claim 1, wherein estimating respective amounts of energy tocommunicate at least a portion of the information for at least a portionof the identified plurality of information communication paths comprisesestimating respective amounts of energy for at least a portion of theidentified plurality of information communication paths based, at leastin part, on transmission power.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinestimating respective amounts of energy to communicate at least aportion of the information for at least a portion of the identifiedplurality of information communication paths comprises estimatingrespective amounts of energy for at least a portion of the identifiedplurality of information communication paths based, at least in part, onsignal processing power.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein estimatingrespective amounts of energy to communicate at least a portion of theinformation for at least a portion of the identified plurality ofinformation communication paths comprises estimating respective amountsof energy for at least a portion of the identified plurality ofinformation communication paths based, at least in part, on energyrequired to re-transmit information.
 9. The method of claim 1, whereinselecting an information communication path comprises selecting theinformation communication path with the lowest estimated respectiveamount of energy.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting aninformation communication path comprises selecting the informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on one or more communicationquality goals.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting aninformation communication path comprises selecting the informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on signal-to-noise ratio.12. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting an informationcommunication path comprises selecting the information communicationpath based, at least in part, on user command.
 13. The method of claim1, wherein selecting an information communication path comprisesselecting the information communication path based, at least in part, onoperating mode characteristics of at least one of: the communicationsystem and the second communication system.
 14. The method of claim 1,wherein selecting an information communication path comprises selectingthe information communication path based, at least in part, on operatingcost.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting an informationcommunication path comprises selecting the information communicationpath based, at least in part, on power supply characteristics of atleast one of: the communication system and the second communicationsystem.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting an informationcommunication path comprises selecting the information communicationpath based, at least in part, on negotiations with the secondcommunication system.
 17. In a communication system, a system thatdetermines an information communication path, the system comprising: atleast one module that identifies a plurality of informationcommunication paths that may be utilized to communicate information withat least a second communication system; at least one module thatestimates respective amounts of energy to communicate at least a portionof the information for at least a portion of the identified plurality ofinformation communication paths; and at least one module that selects aninformation communication path from the identified plurality ofinformation communication paths based, at least in part, on theestimated respective amounts of energy.
 18. The system of claim 17,wherein the at least one module comprises first, second and thirdmodules, and: the first module comprises a communication pathidentification module; the second module comprises a communicationenergy estimation module; and the third module comprises a communicationpath selection module.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein a firstinformation communication path of the plurality of informationcommunication paths comprises a first communication network, and asecond information communication path of the plurality of informationcommunication paths comprises a second communication network in place ofat least a portion of the first communication network.
 20. The system ofclaim 17, wherein a first information communication path of theplurality of information communication paths comprises a connectionlesscommunication path, and a second information communication path of theplurality of information communication paths comprises aconnection-oriented communication path in place of at least a portion ofthe connectionless communication path.
 21. The system of claim 17,wherein a first information communication path of the plurality ofinformation communication paths comprises a first set of communicationmultipaths, and a second information communication path of the pluralityof information communication paths comprises a second set ofcommunication multipaths in place of at least a portion of the first setof communication multipaths.
 22. The system of claim 17, wherein atleast one module identifies a plurality of information communicationpaths that may be utilized to communicate the information by identifyingcommunication paths that communicatively couple the communication systemand the second communication system.
 23. The system of claim 17, whereinat least one module estimates respective amounts of energy for at leasta portion of the identified plurality of information communication pathsby estimating respective amounts of energy for at least a portion of theidentified plurality of communication paths based, at least in part, ontransmission power.
 24. The system of claim 17, wherein at least onemodule estimates respective amounts of energy for at least a portion ofthe identified plurality of information communication paths byestimating respective amounts of energy for at least a portion of theidentified plurality of communication paths based, at least in part, onsignal processing power.
 25. The system of claim 17, wherein at leastone module estimates respective amounts of energy for at least a portionof the identified plurality of information communication paths byestimating respective amounts of energy for at least a portion of theidentified plurality of communication paths based, at least in part, onenergy required to re-transmit information.
 26. The system of claim 17,wherein at least one module selects an information communication path byselecting the information communication path with the lowest estimatedrespective amount of energy.
 27. The system of claim 17, wherein atleast one module selects an information communication path by selectingthe information communication path based, at least in part, on one ormore communication quality goals.
 28. The system of claim 17, wherein atleast one module selects an information communication path by selectingthe information communication path based, at least in part, onsignal-to-noise ratio.
 29. The system of claim 17, wherein at least onemodule selects an information communication path by selecting theinformation communication path based, at least in part, on user command.30. The system of claim 17, wherein at least one module selects aninformation communication path by selecting the informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on operating modecharacteristics of at least one of: the communication system and thesecond communication system.
 31. The system of claim 17, wherein atleast one module selects an information communication path by selectingthe information communication path based, at least in part, on operatingcost.
 32. The system of claim 17, wherein at least one module selects aninformation communication path by selecting the informationcommunication path based, at least in part, on power supplycharacteristics of at least one of: the communication system and thesecond communication system.
 33. The system of claim 17, wherein atleast one module identifies an information communication path byselecting the information communication path based, at least in part, onnegotiations with the second communication system.